• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Join Me On

Love Always, Joann

Stay Connected!

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Disney
    • Recipes
    • Disney Planning
    • Disney Vacation 2019
  • My Story
  • Special Needs Parenting
    • Autism
  • Blog
    • Health & Beauty
    • Sponsored Posts
    • Product recommendations
    • Cooking & Baking
    • Travel
  • Etsy Shop
  • Privacy Policy

on December 12, 2019 ·

The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide For Kids With Autism

Every year during the holidays, I am asked for gift suggestions for Michael.  I understand it can be difficult for friends and family to figure out what to get him.  I always work with my home therapist to pick out a good selection of functional toys or gifts that Michael would love to receive.  This year, I thought I would share my list with you in the hope that it’s helpful for other autism families or anyone looking for the perfect gift for an autistic child.  Honestly, most of these products would work great for neurotypical children as well.  All the products I have listed, I’ve tried to provide a variety by age, skill level or based on functional needs.  Some of these products I have spoken about in the past, but they are all worth sharing again.  Some of the products, even though they are advertised for toddlers, my son is still using today. 

This post may contain affiliate links, Joann Salas is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com 

Updated 2021

Pop Toys Elephant Whale Puppy Fidget Sensory Toy – Michael as well Alex have really been using these pop toys a lot! I have to admit I find them kind of relaxing myself. These are great for sensory seekers!

ArtCreativity Classic Pin Art Game Set  – Just recently, Michael has been using this and he seems to really love the way it feels on his hands and on the side of his face. Again, another great option for sensory seekers.

Busy Board, Montessori Toys Sensory Activity Developing Board for Fine Motor Skills – This sensory board provides not only practical life skills, but a way for your child to improve hand-eye coordination.

Sensory integration products – These products consist of fidgets, knobby balls, stretchy strings. These are products designed to reduce anxiety, stress, and regulate behaviors and emotions.

Pop Tubes – Another sensory fidget toy that Michael loves.  Like the stretchy strings, these tubes come in different bright colors and provide additional help with his coordination.

Activity Ball – Michael received this as a gift last year for Christmas and he is quite fond of it.  If he could bounce on this all day, he would.  I ended up getting another one for Alex; he enjoys it too!

Trampoline – We purchased a trampoline almost immediately when Michael’s Early Intervention OT told us how much he could benefit from the constant input of jumping.  She was so right; he loves that trampoline.  I can’t even tell you how many we have gone through, but this is the one thing we will never be without.  We even take it with us on vacations.  The one we have folds up for easy travel and storing.  Our home ABA therapist also uses it as a way for him to self-regulate during a break.

SANHO Premium Sensory Sock Body Sock – This is on our Christmas list for this year.  I can’t wait to see how Michael likes it.  I think it’s really going to help him to improve his ability to calm down on his own.  These come in a variety of sizes based on the child’s height.  According to SANHO, they recommend the sock being the height of the individual. 

Fat Brain Toys FA183-1 Suction Kupz Baby Toys & Gifts for Ages 1 to 2, Multicolor – These colorful cups with a suction bottom are great to use for sorting and color recognition.  You can also use these with different liquids or textures for sensory play.  Michael didn’t really care for them at first but, as we continued to use them in different ways, they proved to be helpful. 

Melissa & Doug Pets Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle – I must admit I’m a real fan of Melissa & Doug toys.  They have a huge variety of great toys and their puzzles are fantastic.  We used the puzzles with the knobs at the beginning of Michael’s ABA therapy.  He had no interest in doing it.  As we continued to use them, he slowly learned how to hold the knobs of each puzzle piece and place them where they belong.  He has now moved on to more detailed puzzles, both physically and on his tablet.  I am sure his skills developed from starting with this type of puzzle. 

LeapFrog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set, Yellow – This product was originally introduced to us by Michael’s speech therapist.  The pieces are magnetic so that you can place them on your refrigerator and each come with magnetic tiles featuring letters of the alphabet.  The Fridge phonics help promote letter recognition, letter names and sounds. 

hand2mind Plastic Scooter Board with Safety Handles for Physical Education Class or Home Use, Purple – Michael’s Occupational Therapist introduced this to Michael when he was about three years old.  We still have it today and both of my boys will use it.  This is great to help with balance and coordination. 

Liberty Imports Camouflage Military Pop-Up Play Tent – Collapsible Indoor/Outdoor Army Playhouse for Kid – Over the years, we have had a few different types of pop-up play tents.   Again, both of my boys enjoy getting in there, snuggling on a pillow and playing with their tablets.  For Michael, I think it provides a safe space for him to go to. 

Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Tablet 2-Pack, 8″ HD Display, 32 GB, Kid-Proof Case – Blue/Pink – Michael and Alex have been using these tablets for several years.  Although, Alex has upgraded to a larger tablet, Michael has two of the 8” Fire tablets.  Like most little boys and girls, these tablets keep them occupied for hours.  In Michael’s case, we use them for everything.  This is the one thing we do not go anywhere without.  We keep both fully charged and they are helpful when we take long road trips, running errands, or just keeping them occupied on a rainy day. 

ZZZ Weighted Blankets Premium Kids Weighted Blanket – Child Kid Weights and Sizes (5-6.5 LB (36″ x 56″) – Another product on our Christmas list this year for Michael.  We have been going back and forth on getting one for Michael for a few years.  He doesn’t use any sheets, blankets or comforter on his bed while sleeping.  However, he has about 7 or 8 pillows, which he will place over him when he gets into bed.  Because of this, we decided to see if a weighted blanket would be a way for him to get the same cozy feeling from placing the pillows on top of him.  The idea of the weighted blankets is it provides a sense of calming pressure, relieving anxiety to help you sleep better.  And since we are talking about Michael and sleep, we are willing to try anything.  I’ll let you know how it works out. 

Woby Push and Go Friction Powered Car Toys Set Tractor Bulldozer Mixer Truck and Dumper for Baby Toddlers – Michael has become really interested in cars, trucks, anything with sounds of a motor and lights.  Another one on our list this year.  We are planning to work on more leisure-type activities and are hopeful that this will hold his interest. 

Toy Choi’s Kids Toy Tool Construction Set, 27 Pieces Toddler Boys Pretend Play Tool Kit in Sturdy Case – Another new toy on Santa’s list this year.  With Michael’s recent interest in my husband’s tools, specifically anything with a motor, again, we hope this will promote more pretend play. 

So, there you have it, my 2019 Christmas gift ideas for special needs children.  I hope there are a few items that you may think will work for your child or someone you know.  As an autism mom, I understand how you feel when family or friends ask you what to get your child and you’re not even sure yourself.  If you have any gift ideas or suggestions, I would love to hear about them in the comments below.

Tweet
Pin9
Share
9 Shares

Filed Under: Autism, Special Needs Parenting Tagged With: Autism, Christmas, gifts, kids, Sensory, Sensory Processing Disorder, special needs

  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
Previous Post: « My Annual Christmas Card Exchange!
Next Post: A Very Merry Afternoon Visit With Santa »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Louise S says

    December 16, 2019 at 4:24 pm

    These are interesting. I have no clue on autism so reading about it is very interesting. It must be hard. If he doesn’t talk. I couldn’t imagine. I hope he gets to enjoy life as well as you too !! Thanks for sharing this

    • Joann says

      December 18, 2019 at 4:11 pm

      Hi Louise,
      Thank you Louise. It is difficult for Michael because he gets frustrated when he is unable to communicate his needs and wants. I get frustrated too when I’m not able to understand what he is telling me. Using his communication device can be helpful, but I’m hoping that one day Michael will be able to communicate without it.

  2. lisa mundy says

    December 18, 2019 at 9:44 pm

    Great ideas. Really useful

    • Joann says

      December 19, 2019 at 1:38 pm

      Thank you!

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our mailing list

Recent Comments

  • Joann on 5 Kitchen Tools You Need In Your Kitchen Today!
  • Joann on 5 Kitchen Tools You Need In Your Kitchen Today!
  • Jamieadstories on 5 Kitchen Tools You Need In Your Kitchen Today!
  • Lisa | Mind and Body Intertwined on 5 Kitchen Tools You Need In Your Kitchen Today!
  • Joanne on Let’s Make Disney’s Churros at Home!
DisneyStore.com

Recent Posts

  • Summer Vacation Postcard Exchange
  • The Best Mother’s Day Gift Guide For Every Mom You Know!
  • 5 Kitchen Tools You Need In Your Kitchen Today!

Archives

  • June 2022
  • April 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018

Categories

  • Autism
  • Beauty
  • Cooking & Baking
  • Disney
  • Disney Planning
  • Disney Vacation 2019
  • My Story
  • Product recommendations
  • Recipes
  • Special Needs Parenting
  • Sponsored Posts
  • The Little Things….Monthly Favorites
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

lovealwaysjoann

Lovealways,Joann
Tomorrow I am going in for my yearly scan. I’m Tomorrow I am going in for my yearly scan.  I’m feeling a little nervous about it, so if you can all keep me in your thoughts and prayers, I’d appreciate it! Thank you! ❤️ #lungcancersurvivor #lungcancer #prayers
Did you happen to catch my new YouTube video yeste Did you happen to catch my new YouTube video yesterday? I love empanadas and these were so easy to make! Please consider subscribing and I’ll send a dozen empanadas to you! Only kidding but it sounded good, right?! 😂Direct link in bio. #empanadas #cubanempanadas  #recipes #easyrecipes #cookathome #homechef #momsrecipes #familyrecipes  #weeknightdinners #homemade #baking #cooking #madewithlove  #foodie
Today, I’m happy to share some really great new Today, I’m happy to share some  really great news! My dad had his PET scan and it’s all clear! He’s doing great! Here’s a few pictures from Father’s Day. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. #prayersanswered #nonhodgkinslymphoma #cancer #remission #family #grateful #blessed
Good evening friends! Now that you know we are hea Good evening friends! Now that you know we are heading to Disney in August, I want to see where you are traveling to this summer.  Our Disney trip will be in the middle of our two week trip visiting family  in Florida.  We will be out and about visiting new and favorite places while we are there.  Who knows where you postcard will be from, but I’m excited to send them to you. 
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, It’s that time of the year when everyone is planning their summer vacations and/or staycations! I was thinking how cool it would be to see where all of you are headed to.  That’s where my idea of the  Summer Vacation Postcard Exchange was born! 
You send me a postcard from wherever you travel and I’ll send you one back from my summer vacation. You can find all the information as to where to send your postcards to me in the link in my bio.  I will visit my PO Box twice a month until the end of August. I will also share the pictures and destinations you have traveled to, but I will not share any personal messages. So, where are you traveling to this summer?? I can’t wait to find out! #destinations #postcardswap #postcard #postcardexchange #vacation #traveling #roadtrip #staycation #vacationpenpals #disneyvacation
A Happy heavenly Father’s Day to Angel - the fir A Happy heavenly Father’s Day to Angel - the first person who taught me how to communicate without words.  #heavenlyfathersday #fathersday
Happy Father’s Day! I love you. ❤️ #fathersd Happy Father’s Day! I love you. ❤️ #fathersday
Happy Father’s Day!! We love you! #fathersday #h Happy Father’s Day!! We love you! #fathersday #happyfathersday
Yesterday it was so warm and today It was almost F Yesterday it was so warm and today It was almost Fall-like here in NJ.  Mother Nature is a little bit confused.  Even though it was cooler today, we spent the day at Alex’s baseball award ceremony and picnic.  A few scary moments of pop-up tents flying by, but thankfully no one was hurt.  It turned out to be a nice day.  Congratulations to my Alex on another great baseball season! #baseball #baseballmom #seasonisover #congratulations #littleleague #littleleaguebaseball
Happy Friday friends! I had such a great day today Happy Friday friends! I had such a great day today! Both my husband and I were off from work, so we spent the day together.  It is almost impossible to have time  to ourselves so when we can a few hours, we take advantage of it! Today, we went to lunch at a beautiful French restaurant in the next town over.  We we’re able to sit, eat and talk without any interruptions.  It was almost like we were dating again 😊 After lunch we visited a flower & garden center to pick up a few more veggies to plant.  But the most exciting news I have to share with you is our upcoming vacation! We finally took care of all the details today.  We are going back to Walt Disney World!! This is only for a few days, but it will be the best 72 hours ever!! I’ll share a little more as we get closer but right now I’m so happy just to be able to say, “I’m going to Disney!!” A big huge thank you to Arlina over at @peoplemovertravel for making this happen! #disneyvacation #disneycountdown #disneyherewecome #fridayvibes #autism #autismmom #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #autismlife
In case you missed it, last week I decided to have In case you missed it, last week I decided to have a little fun and start a Summer Vacation Postcard Exchange.  It’s that time of the year when everyone is planning their summer vacations and/or staycations! I was thinking how cool it would be to see where all of you are headed to.  That’s where my idea of the  Summer Vacation Postcard Exchange was born! You send me a postcard from wherever you travel and I’ll send you one back from my summer vacation.  I haven’t shared our vacation plans yet, but I will be very soon.  You can find all the information as to where to send your postcards to me in the link in my bio.  I will visit my PO Box twice a month until the end of August. I will also share the pictures and destinations you have traveled to, but I will not share any personal messages.  So, where are you traveling to this summer?? I can’t wait to find out! #vacationtime #postcardswap #postcardexchange #travel #vacationvibes #vacationpenpals #destinations .
#autism #autismmom #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #autismlife
I’m so proud of my son Alex! Last week he was aw I’m so proud of my son Alex! Last week he was awarded a certificate for his participation & excellence in the Gifted and Talented program!! Congratulations Alex!! We are so proud of your accomplishments this year! #congratulations #proudmama
It’s that time of the year when everyone is plan It’s that time of the year when everyone is planning their summer vacations and/or staycations! I was thinking about how cool it would be to see where all of you are headed to.  That’s where my idea of the  Summer Vacation Postcard Exchange was born! You send me a postcard from wherever you travel and I’ll send you one back from my summer vacation.  I haven’t shared our vacation plans yet, but something tells me you would love my travel postcards.  You can find all the information as to where to send your postcards to me in the link in my bio.  So, where are you traveling to this summer?? I can’t wait to find out! #vacationtime #postcardswap #postcardexchange #travel #vacationvibes #vacationpenpals #destinations .
#autism #autismmom #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #autismlife
Today on my YouTube channel I’m answering your q Today on my YouTube channel I’m answering your questions while baking Beauty and The Beast themed cupcakes. Thank you for all your questions! #beautyandthebeast #cupcakes #beourguest #disneykitchen #disneysnacks #disneyfoodies #disneyrecipes #baking #bakingfortheinsta #disneylover #disneyfood #disneyhungry #disneylife #disneymom #disneyhome #disneygram  #disneyeats #mydisneylife #mickeyshapedfood #disneylove #disneyinsta #disneydesserts #disneylifestyle #disneyfamily #disneybaking #mydisneyhome
It was so nice to attend Alex’s violin concert t It was so nice to attend Alex’s violin concert today.  It was a welcomed break and Alex did a great job.  It’s been an incredibly challenging week for Michael and my family.  It’s been a week where I felt nothing but sadness and heartbreak watching Michael continually struggle.  It’s a hopeless feeling. I’m not sure what I want to share right now but to tell you attending Alex’s concert helped me more than he knows.  Thank you God for giving me what I needed today. ❤️🙏 #momentsofjoy #faith #violinconcert #autism #autismmom #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #autismlife #autismheros #autismadvocates #autismeducation #specialneedsmomlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #ourautismjourney #specialneedsfamily #littlecornerofmyworld #littlestoriesofmylife 
#bloom #rise
Hey friends, how’s everyone doing? We’ve been Hey friends, how’s everyone doing? We’ve been having a few hard days over here but doing our best to get through it.  I haven’t been up to cooking or baking this week so I’m giving myself a little break.  However, I have a few new ideas I’m working on and hope to share with you soon.  In the meantime,  I thought I would put up a question box in my stories for a “Bake & Chat With Me” video to do for next week.  If you have any questions you want to ask me, now is the time.  It can be anything from Disney related recipes, cooking, baking and autism as well.  I appreciate your continued support and look forward to your questions. Also, I will not share who posted the question so it can remain anonymous.  Thank you and have a good evening.  #bakeandchat #qanda #questions #autism #autismmom #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #autismlife #autismheros #autismadvocates #autismeducation #specialneedsmomlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #ourautismjourney #specialneedsfamily #littlecornerofmyworld #littlestoriesofmylife 
#bloom  #youtuber
Remember and honor. #memorialday #memorialdayweeke Remember and honor. #memorialday #memorialdayweekend #thankyou
Thank you so much to my sister Patty and brother-i Thank you so much to my sister Patty and brother-in-law Teddy for hosting our 2nd and final surprise 50th birthday party for my husband Gabe. We had perfect weather to sit outside and really enjoy our day.  It was a beautiful day filled with delicious food, family and friends.  Two parties in one weekend is exhausting! Tomorrow is a day of rest. ❤️😉#50thbirthday #happy50thbirthday #celebrations #havananightsparty #partytime #autism #autismmom #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #autismlife #littlecornerofmyworld #littlestoriesofmylife 
#bloom
We had such a great day today! Michael and Alex re We had such a great day today! Michael and Alex really loved jumping all over the place! It was so nice to see Michael happy and surrounded by his friends! Alex had friends from school, baseball and the kids in our neighborhood all attended. They had a blast! The best part of the day (besides not having to clean up 😃🤣) is when Alex said, “Thank you, this was the best party we ever had!” #rockinjump #birthdayparty #celebration #jump #trampoline #trampolinepark #autism #autismmom #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #autismlife
Good morning ☀️ Happy Saturday! Today is the b Good morning ☀️ Happy Saturday! Today is the boy’s birthday party at the trampoline park! They are both very excited and ready to go.  Since it’s Memorial Day Weekend, I thought I would share a blog post I wrote in 2020 about a Memorial Weekend I will never forget.  It’s a fun read and I think you’ll get a good laugh at. Have a great day friends and I’ll be back later to share all about the party! Direct link in bio & stories. #memorialdayweekend #memorialdaymemories #saturday
Available this weekend only! New Galaxy Candle wit Available this weekend only! New Galaxy Candle with hidden matching themed Disney pin! Use code Memorial15 for 15% off! #affiliate #pincandle #diffuseroils #aromaoils #flamelessfragrance #candles #candlesamplers #littlewishes #dislove #soytarts #galaxy #galaxysedge #starwarsday
Load More... Follow on Instagram

© Joann Salas and LovealwaysJoann.com, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material (including photos and videos) without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Joann Salas and LovealwaysJoann.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Footer

lovealwaysjoann · Copyright © 2022